Congress

The Congress of the United States was created by Article I, section 1, of the Constitution, adopted by the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787, providing that “All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives."

The first Congress under the Constitution met on March 4, 1789, in the Federal Hall in New York City. The membership then consisted of 20 Senators and 59 Representatives.*

* New York ratified the Constitution on July 26, 1788, but did not elect its Senators until July 15 and 16, 1789. North Carolina did not ratify the Constitution until November 21, 1789; Rhode Island ratified it on May 29, 1790.

Congressional Record

Proceedings of Congress are published in the Congressional Record, which is issued each day when Congress is in session. Publication of the Record began March 4, 1873. It was the first record of debate officially reported, printed, and published directly by the Federal Government. The Daily Digest of the Congressional Record, printed in the back of each issue of the Record, summarizes the proceedings of that day in each House and each of their committees and subcommittees, respectively. The Digest also presents the legislative program for each day and, at the end of the week, gives the program for the following week. Its publication was begun March 17, 1947.

Sessions

Section 4 of Article I of the Constitution makes it mandatory that "The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year. . . ." Under this provision, also, the date for convening Congress was designated originally as the first Monday in December, "unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day." Eighteen acts were passed, up to 1820, providing for the meeting of Congress on other days of the year. From 1820 to 1934, however, Congress met regularly on the first Monday in December. In 1934 the 20th amendment changed the convening of Congress to January 3, unless Congress "shall by law appoint a different day." In addition, the President, according to Article II, section 3, of the Constitution "may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper. . . ."

Powers of Congress

Article I, section 8, of the Constitution defines the powers of Congress. Included are the powers to assess and collect taxes—called the chief power; to regulate commerce, both interstate and foreign; to coin money; to establish post offices and post roads; to establish courts inferior to the Supreme Court; to declare war; and to raise and maintain an army and navy. Congress is further empowered "To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;" and "To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."

Amendments to the Constitution

Another power vested in the Congress is the right to propose amendments to the Constitution, whenever two-thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary. Should two-thirds of the State legislatures demand changes in the Constitution, it is the duty of Congress to call a constitutional convention. Proposed amendments shall be valid as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures or by conventions of three-fourths of the States, as one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by Congress.

Prohibitions Upon Congress

Section 9 of Article I of the Constitution also imposes prohibitions upon Congress. "The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it." A bill of attainder or an ex post facto law cannot be passed. No export duty can be imposed. Ports of one State cannot be given preference over those of another State. "No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law. . . ." No title of nobility may be granted.

Rights of Members

According to section 6 of Article I, Members of Congress are granted certain privileges. In no case, except in treason, felony, and breach of the peace, can Members be arrested while attending sessions of Congress "and in going to and returning from the same. . . ." Furthermore, the Members cannot be questioned in any other place for remarks made in Congress. Each House may expel a Member of its body by a two-thirds vote.

Enactment of Laws

In order to become law, all bills and joint resolutions, except those proposing a constitutional amendment, must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate and either be signed by the President or be passed over the President's veto by a two-thirds vote of both Houses of Congress. Section 7 of Article I states: "If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law." When a bill or joint resolution is introduced in the House, the usual procedure for its enactment into law is as follows: assignment to House committee having jurisdiction; if favorably considered, it is reported to the House either in its original form or with recommended amendments; if the bill or resolution is passed by the House, it is messaged to the Senate and referred to the committee having jurisdiction; in the Senate committee the bill, if favorably considered, may be reported in the form as received from the House, or with recommended amendments; the approved bill or resolution is reported to the Senate, and if passed by that body, is returned to the House; if one body does not accept the amendments to a bill by the other body, a conference committee comprised of Members of both bodies is usually appointed to effect a compromise; when the bill or joint resolution is finally approved by both Houses, it is signed by the Speaker (or Speaker pro tempore) and the Vice President (or President pro tempore or acting President pro tempore) and is presented to the President; and once the President's signature is affixed, the measure becomes a law. If the President vetoes the bill, it cannot become a law unless it is re-passed by a two-thirds vote of both Houses.

Overview

The Senate comprises 100 Members, 2 from each State. Senators are elected to serve for a term of 6 years. There are three classes of Senators, and a new class is elected every 2 years. Senators were originally chosen by the State legislatures. The 17th amendment, which became part of the Constitution in 1913, made their election a function of the people.

A Senator must be a resident of the State that he or she represents. A Senator also must be at least 30 years of age and have been a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years.

Officers

The Vice President of the United States is the Presiding Officer of the Senate. In the Vice President's absence, the duties are taken over by a President pro tempore, elected by that body, or someone designated by the President pro tempore.

The positions of Senate Majority and Minority Leader have been in existence only since the early years of the 20th century. Leaders are elected at the beginning of each new Congress by a majority vote of the Senators in their political party. In cooperation with their party organizations, Leaders are responsible for the design and achievement of a legislative program. This involves managing the flow of legislation, expediting noncontroversial measures, and keeping Members informed regarding proposed action on pending business. Each Leader serves as an ex officio member of his party's policymaking and organizational bodies and is aided by an assistant floor leader (whip) and a party secretary.

The Secretary of the Senate, elected by vote of the Senate, performs the duties of the Presiding Officer of the Senate in the absence of the Vice President and pending the election of a President pro tempore. The Secretary is the custodian of the seal of the Senate, draws requisitions on the Secretary of the Treasury for moneys appropriated for the compensation of Senators, officers, and employees, and for the contingent expenses of the Senate, and is empowered to administer oaths to any officer of the Senate and to any witness produced before it. The Secretary's executive duties include certification of extracts from the Journal of the Senate; the attestation of bills and joint, concurrent, and Senate resolutions; in impeachment trials, issuance, under the authority of the Presiding Officer, of all orders, mandates, writs, and precepts authorized by the Senate; and certification to the President of the United States of the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification of treaties and the names of persons confirmed or rejected upon the nomination of the President.

The Sergeant at Arms, elected by vote of the Senate, serves as the executive, chief law enforcement, and protocol officer and is the principal administrative manager for most support services in the Senate. As executive officer, the Sergeant at Arms has custody of the Senate gavel; enforces Senate rules and regulations as they pertain to the Senate Chamber, the Senate wing of the Capitol, and the Senate office buildings; and subject to the Presiding Officer, maintains order on the Senate floor, Chamber, and galleries. As chief law enforcement officer of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms is authorized to maintain security in the Capitol and all Senate buildings, as well as to protect Senators; to arrest and detain any person violating Senate rules; and to locate absentee Senators for a quorum. The Sergeant at Arms serves as a member of the Capitol Police Board and as its chairman each odd year. As protocol officer, the Sergeant at Arms escorts the President and other heads of state or official guests of the Senate who are attending official functions in the Capitol; makes arrangements for funerals of Senators who die in office; and assists in planning the inauguration of the President and organizing the swearing-in and orientation programs for newly elected Senators.

Committees

The work of preparing and considering legislation is done largely by committees of both Houses of Congress. There are 16 standing committees in the Senate. The standing committees of the Senate are shown in the list below. In addition, there are two select committees in each House and various congressional commissions and joint committees composed of Members of both Houses. Each House may also appoint special investigating committees. The membership of the standing committees of each House is chosen by a vote of the entire body; members of other committees are appointed under the provisions of the measure establishing them.

Each bill and resolution is usually referred to the appropriate committee, which may report a bill out in its original form, favorably or unfavorably, recommend amendments, report original measures, or allow the proposed legislation to die in committee without action.

Special Powers

Under the Constitution, the Senate is granted certain powers not accorded to the House of Representatives. The Senate approves or disapproves certain Presidential appointments by majority vote, and treaties must be concurred in by a two-thirds vote.

List of U.S. Senators

STATE

EXPIRATION OF TERM—PARTY AFFILIATION

CONTACT INFORMATION

Alabama

Richard C. Shelby

2023—Republican

http://www.shelby.senate.gov

G. Douglas Jones

2021—Democrat

https://www.senate.gov/senators/115thCongress/Jones_Doug.htm

Alaska

Lisa A. Murkowski

2023—Republican

https://www.murkowski.senate.gov

Daniel S. Sullivan

2021—Republican

http://www.sullivan.senate.gov

Arizona

Jeffry L. Flake

2019—Republican

http://www.flake.senate.gov

John S. McCain

2023—Republican

http://www.mccain.senate.gov

Arkansas

John N. Boozman

2023—Republican

https://www.boozman.senate.gov

Thomas B. Cotton

2021—Republican

https://www.cotton.senate.gov

California

Dianne Feinstein

2019—Democrat

http://www.feinstein.senate.gov

Kamala D. Harris

2023—Democrat

https://www.harris.senate.gov

Colorado

Michael F. Bennet

2023—Democrat

https://www.bennet.senate.gov

Cory S. Gardner

2021—Republican

https://www.gardner.senate.gov

Connecticut

Richard Blumenthal

2023—Democrat

https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov

Christopher S. Murphy

2019—Democrat

https://www.murphy.senate.gov

Delaware

Thomas R. Carper

2019—Democrat

https://www.carper.senate.gov

Christopher A. Coons

2021—Democrat

https://www.coons.senate.gov

Florida

C. William Nelson

2019—Democrat

https://www.billnelson.senate.gov

Marco A. Rubio

2023—Republican

http://www.rubio.senate.gov

Georgia

John H. Isakson

2023—Republican

https://www.isakson.senate.gov

David A. Perdue, Jr.

2021—Republican

http://www.perdue.senate.gov

Hawaii

Mazie K. Hirono

2019—Democrat

https://www.hirono.senate.gov

Brian E. Schatz

2023—Democrat

http://www.schatz.senate.gov

Idaho

Michael D. Crapo

2023—Republican

http://www.crapo.senate.gov

James E. Risch

2021—Republican

http://www.risch.senate.gov

Illinois

L. Tammy Duckworth

2023—Democrat

https://www.duckworth.senate.gov

Richard J. Durbin

2021—Democrat

http://www.durbin.senate.gov

Indiana

Joseph S. Donnelly

2019—Democrat

http://www.donnelly.senate.gov

Todd C. Young

2023—Republican

https://www.young.senate.gov

Iowa

Joni K. Ernst

2021—Republican

http://www.ernst.senate.gov

Charles E. Grassley

2023—Republican

http://www.grassley.senate.gov

Kansas

Gerald W. Moran

2023—Republican

http://www.moran.senate.gov

C. Patrick Roberts

2021—Republican

http://www.roberts.senate.gov

Kentucky

A. Mitchell McConnell

2021—Republican

http://www.mcconnell.senate.gov

Randal H. Paul

2023—Republican

https://www.paul.senate.gov

Louisiana

William Cassidy

2021—Republican

http://www.cassidy.senate.gov

John N. Kennedy

2023—Republican

https://www.kennedy.senate.gov

Maine

Susan M. Collins

2021—Republican

https://www.collins.senate.gov

Angus S. King, Jr.

2019—Independent

http://www.king.senate.gov

Maryland

Benjamin L. Cardin

2019—Democrat

https://www.cardin.senate.gov

Christopher Van Hollen, Jr.

2023—Democrat

https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov

Massachusetts

Edward J. Markey

2021—Democrat

http://www.markey.senate.gov

Elizabeth H. Warren

2019—Democrat

https://www.warren.senate.gov

Michigan

Gary C. Peters

2021—Democrat

https://www.peters.senate.gov

Deborah A. Stabenow

2019—Democrat

http://www.stabenow.senate.gov

Minnesota

Tina F. Smith

2021—Democrat

https://www.senate.gov/senators/115thCongress/Smith_Tina.htm

Amy J. Klobuchar

2019—Democrat

https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov

Mississippi

W. Thad Cochran

2021—Republican

http://www.cochran.senate.gov

Roger F. Wicker

2019—Republican

https://www.wicker.senate.gov

Missouri

Roy D. Blunt

2023—Republican

http://www.blunt.senate.gov

Claire McCaskill

2019—Democrat

https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov

Montana

Steven D. Daines

2021—Republican

https://www.daines.senate.gov

Jonathan Tester

2019—Democrat

http://www.tester.senate.gov

Nebraska

Debra S. Fischer

2019—Republican

http://www.fischer.senate.gov

Benjamin E. Sasse

2021—Republican

http://www.sasse.senate.gov

Nevada

Catherine Cortez Masto

2023—Democrat

https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov

Dean A. Heller

2019—Republican

http://www.heller.senate.gov

New Hampshire

Margaret Wood Hassan

2023—Democrat

https://www.hassan.senate.gov

Jeanne Shaheen

2021—Democrat

https://www.shaheen.senate.gov

New Jersey

Cory A. Booker

2021—Democrat

http://www.booker.senate.gov

Robert Menendez

2019—Democrat

https://www.menendez.senate.gov

New Mexico

Martin Heinrich

2019—Democrat

http://www.heinrich.senate.gov

Thomas S. Udall

2021—Democrat

http://www.tomudall.senate.gov

New York

Kirsten E. Gillibrand

2019—Democrat

https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov

Charles E. Schumer

2023—Democrat

https://www.schumer.senate.gov

North Carolina

Richard Burr

2023—Republican

http://www.burr.senate.gov

Thomas R. Tillis

2021—Republican

https://www.tillis.senate.gov

North Dakota

Heidi Heitkamp

2019—Democrat

http://www.heitkamp.senate.gov

John H. Hoeven III

2023—Republican

https://www.hoeven.senate.gov

Ohio

Sherrod C. Brown

2019—Democrat

https://www.brown.senate.gov

Robert J. Portman

2023—Republican

http://www.portman.senate.gov

Oklahoma

James M. Inhofe

2021—Republican

http://www.inhofe.senate.gov

James Lankford

2023—Republican

https://www.lankford.senate.gov

Oregon

Jeffrey A. Merkley

2021—Democrat

https://www.merkley.senate.gov

Ronald L. Wyden

2023—Democrat

https://www.wyden.senate.gov

Pennsylvania

Robert P. Casey, Jr.

2019—Democrat

https://www.casey.senate.gov

Patrick J. Toomey

2023—Republican

http://www.toomey.senate.gov

Rhode Island

John F. Reed

2021—Democrat

https://www.reed.senate.gov

Sheldon Whitehouse

2019—Democrat

https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov

South Carolina

Lindsey O. Graham

2021—Republican

https://www.lgraham.senate.gov

Timothy E. Scott

2023—Republican

https://www.scott.senate.gov

South Dakota

M. Michael Rounds

2021—Republican

https://www.rounds.senate.gov

John R. Thune

2023—Republican

https://www.thune.senate.gov

Tennessee

A. Lamar Alexander, Jr.

2021—Republican

https://www.alexander.senate.gov

Robert P. Corker, Jr.

2019—Republican

https://www.corker.senate.gov

Texas

John Cornyn III

2021—Republican

https://www.cornyn.senate.gov

R. Edward Cruz

2019—Republican

https://www.cruz.senate.gov

Utah

Orrin G. Hatch

2019—Republican

http://www.hatch.senate.gov

Michael S. Lee

2023—Republican

https://www.lee.senate.gov

Vermont

Patrick J. Leahy

2023—Democrat

https://www.leahy.senate.gov

Bernard Sanders

2019—Independent

https://www.sanders.senate.gov

Virginia

Timothy M. Kaine

2019—Democrat

http://www.kaine.senate.gov

Mark R. Warner

2021—Democrat

http://www.warner.senate.gov

Washington

Maria Cantwell

2019—Democrat

https://www.cantwell.senate.gov

Patricia L. Murray

2023—Democrat

http://www.murray.senate.gov

West Virginia

Shelley Moore Capito

2021—Republican

https://www.capito.senate.gov

Joseph Manchin III

2019—Democrat

http://www.manchin.senate.gov

Wisconsin

Tammy S. Baldwin

2019—Democrat

https://www.baldwin.senate.gov

Ronald H. Johnson

2023—Republican

https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov

Wyoming

John A. Barrasso

2019—Republican

https://www.barrasso.senate.gov

Michael B. Enzi

2021—Republican

http://www.enzi.senate.gov

* * *

THE ABOVE LIST OF 100 SENATORS WAS UPDATED 01–2018.

Republicans are 51; Democrats are 47; Independents are 2; and there are no vacancies.

Sources of Information

Art

Campaign Finance

The Federal Election Commission maintains a campaign finance database that contains information on candidates, including senatorial candidates, who file reports with the Commission. Users of the online "Candidate and Committee Viewer" can sort data and download them. The data presentations consist of biennial summaries, report summaries, and report images and downloads.

Directory

The online "Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774–Present," allows visitors to search for Members of Congress—past and present—by first or last name, political affiliation, position, State, or year or Congress.

Glossary

History

The Senate Historical Office has told the history of the Senate, from the First Federal Congress of 1789 through the early 21st century; explained its traditions; described the individuals who served in its Chamber, and examined the major issues that confronted these national leaders.

Legislation / Records

Member Profiles

The "Members of the U.S. Congress" database contains profiles for Senators who have held office since 1973 or were still serving in the 93d Congress. Users of the database can filter profiles by chamber, Congress, political affiliation, and State or U.S. Territory. A Member profile includes the following: dates of service, State represented, party affiliation, and a picture when available, as well as a link to the Member's entry in the "Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774–Present" and a link to remarks made in the "Congressional Record." A profile also includes the list of legislation that the Member sponsored and cosponsored.

Overview

The House of Representatives comprises 435 Representatives. The number representing each State is determined by population, but every State is entitled to at least one Representative. Members are elected by the people for 2-year terms, all terms running for the same period. Representatives must be residents of the State from which they are chosen. In addition, a Representative must be at least 25 years of age and must have been a citizen for at least 7 years.

A Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico (elected for a 4-year term) and Delegates from American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands complete the composition of the Congress of the United States. Delegates are elected for a term of 2 years. The Resident Commissioner and Delegates may take part in the floor discussions, but have no vote in the full House. They do, however, vote in the committees to which they are assigned.

Officers

The Presiding Officer of the House of Representatives, the Speaker, is elected by the House. The Speaker may designate any Member of the House to act in the Speaker's absence.

The House leadership is structured essentially the same as the Senate, with the Members in the political parties responsible for the election of their respective leader and whips.

The elected officers of the House of Representatives include the Clerk, the Sergeant at Arms, the Chief Administrative Officer, and the Chaplain.

The Clerk is custodian of the seal of the House and administers the primary legislative activities of the House. These duties include accepting the credentials of the Members-elect and calling the Members to order at the commencement of the first session of each Congress; keeping the Journal; taking all votes and certifying the passage of bills; and processing all legislation. Through various departments, the Clerk is also responsible for floor and committee reporting services; legislative information and reference services; the administration of House reports pursuant to House rules and certain legislation including the Ethics in Government Act and the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995; and the distribution of House documents. The Clerk is also charged with supervision of the offices vacated by Members due to death, resignation, or expulsion.

The Sergeant at Arms maintains the order of the House under the direction of the Speaker and is the keeper of the Mace. As a member of the U.S. Capitol Police Board, the Sergeant at Arms is the chief law enforcement officer for the House and serves as Board Chairman each even year. The ceremonial and protocol duties parallel those of the Senate Sergeant at Arms and include arranging the inauguration of the President of the United States, Joint Sessions of Congress, visits to the House of heads of state, and funerals of Members of Congress. The Sergeant at Arms enforces the rules relating to the privileges of the Hall of the House, including admission to the galleries, oversees garage and parking security of the House, and distributes all House staff identification cards.

Committees

The work of preparing and considering legislation is done largely by committees of both Houses of Congress. There are 19 standing committees in the House of Representatives. The standing committees of the House of Representatives are shown in the list below. In addition, there are two select committees in the House and various congressional commissions and joint committees composed of Members of both Houses. Each House may also appoint special investigating committees. The membership of the standing committees of each House is chosen by a vote of the entire body; members of other committees are appointed under the provisions of the measure establishing them.

Each bill and resolution is usually referred to the appropriate committee, which may report a bill out in its original form, favorably or unfavorably, recommend amendments, report original measures, or allow the proposed legislation to die in committee without action.

Special Powers

The House of Representatives is granted the power of originating all bills for the raising of revenue. Both Houses of Congress act in impeachment proceedings, which, according to the Constitution, may be instituted against the President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States. The House of Representatives has the sole power of impeachment, and the Senate has the sole power to try impeachments.

Sources of Information

Art Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent. Students submit their entries to their Representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning artwork, which is displayed at the U.S. Capitol for 1 year.

Campaign Finance

The Federal Election Commission maintains a campaign finance database that contains information on candidates, including congressional candidates, who file reports with the Commission. Users of the online "Candidate and Committee Viewer" can sort data and download them. The data presentations consist of biennial summaries, report summaries, and report images and downloads.

Career Opportunities

The House Vacancy Announcement and Placement Service assists House Members, committees, and leadership by posting job vacancies and maintaining a resume bank. The Service provides confidential referral of resumes when House offices request them. Information on submitting a resume is available online.

Directories

The Web site House.gov has a directory that contains the committee assignment, congressional district, name, phone number, political affiliation, and room number of each Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the Uniform Resources Locator (URL) the leads to his or her Web site.

The online "Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774–Present," allows visitors to search for Members of Congress—past and present—by first or last name, political affiliation, position, State, or year or Congress.

Present and former Members of Congress have control numbers associated with their records in the "Biographical Directory of the United States Congress." Member IDs or "BioGuide IDs" serve as metadata within Congress.gov and legislative documents that the Government Publishing Office publishes.

Find a Representative

Educational Resources

The Office of the Clerk's Web site features educational and entertaining information on the legislative branch of the Government for students of all ages. Its Kids in the House Web site explains the role of the House of Representatives, describes the legislative process, and covers House history.

Adults seeking to learn about commissions, committees, House history, House leadership, Representatives, rules, or a Representative's schedule may benefit from "The House Explained" section on House.gov.

The "Statement of Disbursements" is a quarterly public report of all receipts and expenditures for U.S. House of Representatives committees, leadership, Members, and officers and offices. To help the general public read this report, House.gov maintains an online glossary.

Member Profiles

The "Members of the U.S. Congress" database contains profiles for Representatives who have held office since 1973 or were still serving in the 93d Congress. Users of the database can filter profiles by chamber, Congress, political affiliation, and State or U.S. Territory. A Member profile includes the following: dates of service, district number and State, party affiliation, and a picture when available, as well as a link to the Member's entry in the "Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774–Present" and a link to remarks made in the "Congressional Record." A profile also includes the list of legislation that the Member sponsored and cosponsored.

Publications

The Congressional Directory, Rules and Manual of the House of Representatives, and telephone directory for the House of Representatives are available from the Government Publishing Office's bookstore. Phone, 202-512-0132.